IL-17 Blockade in Psoriasis: Friend or Foe in Cardiovascular Risk?

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disorder associated with systemic inflammation and a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Common pathologic mechanisms are likely involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and atherosclerosis, including similar inflammatory cytokine profiles and proinflammatory cell types. The hypothesis that aggressive treatment of skin inflammation may decrease the risk of developing atherosclerosis and consequently cardiovascular disease is currently a focus of major attention. Interleukin (IL)-17 may be an important cytokine linking skin disease to vascular disease/inflammation. However, the role of IL-17 in atherosclerosis is still controversial, as IL-17 may exhibit pro-atherogenic or anti-atherogenic effects depending on the specific tissue, cellular, and immune context. Given the development of several IL-17 inhibitors, the investigation of IL-17 inhibition impact on cardiovascular outcome is extremely important.